WSKF315

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BZVLK1GV?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title that’s the antenna. From previous suggestions I thought it was as simple as checking continuity to see if there is a short. I have sent an email to product support with Retevis.

I ordered a brand new replacement, exact same as the original. I just opened the box and checked the antenna continuity before doing anything else. Unless I have misunderstood something, I should NOT be getting a reading when I touch the outside of the fitting and the center pin, correct? Well, I am clear as day. When I test my handheld antennas the same way I don’t get a reading. What are the chances that two antennas have shorts right out of the box?

I got my multimeter, unscrewed the coax from the repeater and tested that end of the coax (center pin and then outside of fitting). There is definitely continuity where there shouldn't be. I know I will need to pull the antenna off the roof to verify, but is it possible that the coax has a short in it causing the issue rather than the antenna? Honestly, I fully expect it to be the antenna with the whole righty loosey. I'm just trying to guess on what I need to order so I can hopefully replace the antenna same day I take it off the roof since it will take two people. Lastly - if I end up replacing the coax (whether due to a short or just upgrading quality) is there an online source you recommend that sells the higher quality coax to length and will add the necessary fittings so I don't have to fart around trying to solder the ends introducing more opportunity for error. Thanks for your help.

This made me laugh . I will say in my defense that I had already attached the coax cable to the repeater and had an idea of how much I had to turn it before it started to snug up and what that felt like (fingers only). Attaching the coax to the antenna wasn’t the same. I could tell the fitting was not cross threaded but only a few turns before it started getting harder to turn but not snugging up the same of that makes sense.

I have a meter on order from Amazon to further test. The coax screwed in fine by hand to the repeater - the antenna end looked the exact same so I’m pretty confident the connectors are correct. I thought the issue may be shitty quality threads as I have seen some other posts on some quality control issues which is why I used small pliers. I should get the meter tomorrow and can further test.

Yeah, I was secretly hoping what I thought may have happened, didn’t happen.

Good morning, I started fiddling around with real basic stuff using a UV5R HAM radio, connecting to a repeater, setting tones, etc... but discovered GMRS and was attracted to it due to the more relaxed nature of users and the ability to purchase a family license. I've been playing around with some handhelds with my kiddo which led me down the road to a portable GMRS repeater (thank you Notarubicon). I purchased the Retevis RT97L portable repeater kit which includes their fiberglass antenna and coaxial cable. I'm looking for some tips trouble shooting my current set up, but I know how forums can go so I want to preface a few things: I've read the initial post pinned and am not seeking advice on how I "should have" done things. I am only looking for advice on current setup and trouble shooting for performance. There are no published GMRS repeaters within my location - I purchased the items I did to fart around with this as a hobby and have some fun with my kid. It is not about trying to reach 15 miles or anything like that. Current set up: Multiple Baofeng GM-15PRO handhelds with ABBREE AR 771 antennas Retevis RT97L mobile repeater inside garage. Retevis GMRS fiberglass antenna mounted on a mast on gable of garage - approximately 25' off ground No major obstructions around the antenna. I'm in a rural town of less than 10,000 - mostly two story buildings - nothing really taller than that. I would be totally thrilled if I could transmit 1 - 1 1/2 miles from my garage. Not looking for anything more than that, but current state is that I cannot. I can connect to the repeater (467.72500/462.72500) and talk between two handhelds but am limited to about a half mile. I will say that when I screwed the coax into the bottom of the antenna it didn't seem to screw on very well so I used a small pair of Channellocks and may have overtightened. It seemed like something started to spin that shouldn't have Is there a way to test to see if my antenna is even working properly before we go down the road of hypothesizing what the setup is even capable of? We just got the damn thing mounted to the roof this weekend and I hate the thought of having to pull the whole thing down again. There is no good way to do it.... I appreciate any help you can offer. -WSKF315